PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

There are those--a very small handful, mind you--who believe this column is filled with mostly irrelevant information. This week, we’re answering those critics the best way we know how. Our guest is founder of perhaps the most irrelevant event in sports (opening day at Edison Field notwithstanding). Each summer, Paul Salata and friends honor the final choice of the NFL draft--Mr. Irrelevant--with a week full of festivities. Irrelevant Week. Salata, a huge fan of USC football, obviously hopes that if he kisses up, The Prophet will show mercy. Why else would he send along a custom UCLA handicapped parking pass?

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

Woodbridge vs. Orange Lutheran at Brea Olinda HS, tonight

THE PROPHET SAYS: Orange Lutheran broke into the county’s top 10 rankings this week, and rightfully so. Most folks probably still consider the Lancers the underdogs against No. 4 Woodbridge. So call it an upset. Orange Lutheran, 28-20.

SALATA SAYS: There’s nothing irrelevant about this one. My guess is that six years from now several of these players will be eligible to be Mr. Irrelevant (i.e., NFL draftees). It’s No. 4 vs. No. 10 and if No. 4 can keep its mind off the El Toro Airport, I expect it to win. Woodbridge, 30-24.

Santa Ana Valley vs. Estancia

at Orange Coast College, tonight

THE PROPHET SAYS: Estancia was sitting pretty until gutty little Anaheim blemished its record. Each team is 3-1, but the Falcons have been more consistent. Santa Ana Valley, 30-20.

SALATA SAYS: Some of my favorite Mexican restaurants are in Santa Ana. We also know the developer of Mesa Verde, Estancia’s home turf. Nevertheless, Santa Ana Valley is a whole lot better than Anaheim and Anaheim was a whole lot better than Estancia. Santa Ana Valley, 26-6.

Ocean View vs. Troy at Fullerton HS, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Troy couldn’t stop Jason Whieldon and it won’t have much more luck going against Deshai Houston, the only quarterback in the county who has thrown more scoring passes than Whieldon. Ocean View, 34-20.

SALATA SAYS: Troy is where I went to college and married Helen of Troy. Ocean View is where I now live, which brings pressure from the neighbors. Ocean View has QB Houston to WR Campbell, which should be the difference. Ocean View, 28-24.

Irvine vs. Loara at Glover Stadium, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Take away its date with Mater Dei and Loara is unbeaten. Irvine is seeking its first victory in three weeks. And will get it. Irvine, 22-20.

SALATA SAYS: Both teams played Mater Dei similarly . . . they lost. Irvine is trying to get an NFL team and Loara is located in the city that couldn’t keep one, which means this should be a great game. Henigan should win again. Irvine, 14-13.

* Valencia vs. Sunny Hills at Buena Park HS, Friday: The Prophet: Sunny Hills will score, which it hasn’t done in two games. The Lancers just won’t win. Valencia, 23-7. Salata says: Valencia, 20-14.

* Huntington Beach at Dana Hills, Friday: The Prophet: Dana Hills has been held to a touchdown or less in three of four games. Make it four out of five. Dana Hills, 7-6. Salata says: Dana Hills, 14-13.

* El Toro vs. El Dorado at Valencia HS, Friday: The Prophet: El Toro has two receivers who are among the county leaders. That’s one more than El Dorado can cover. El Toro, 24-16. Salata says: El Toro, 27-14.

* Marina at Mission Viejo, Friday: The Prophet: Winless Mission Viejo has lost three of its games by three points. Why buck a trend? Marina, 22-19. Salata says: Marina, 27-21.

* Saddleback vs. University at Irvine HS, Friday: The Prophet: Saddleback suffers through an 0-for-Irvine season. University, 21-12. Salata says: University, 21-17.

* Brethren Christian vs. Costa Mesa at Orange Coast College, Friday: The Prophet: Costa Mesa is one point away from being undefeated. Brethren Christian lost both games it was tested. Costa Mesa, 42-21. Salata says: Costa Mesa, 35-28.

* Trabuco Hills vs. Fountain Valley at Westminster HS, Friday: The Prophet: Got a letter complaining that I always pick against Trabuco Hills. Again, why buck a trend? Fountain Valley, 15-13. Salata says: Fountain Valley, 24-10.

* Wilmington Banning vs. Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium, Friday: The Prophet: Banning’s team speed could give Mater Dei trouble. Then again, after playing Concord De La Salle, everyone looks a little slower. Mater Dei, 24-16. Salata says: Mater Dei, 21-12.

* Buena Park vs. Anaheim at Glover Stadium, tonight: The Prophet: The sentimental choice is the Colonists. But so much for sentiment. Buena Park, 21-14. Salata says: Buena Park, 27-7.

* Fairmont vs. Southern California Christian at Glover Stadium, Saturday: The Prophet: Gotta go with the team that has scored. This one turns 8-man at halftime. Fairmont, 28-14. Salata says: Fairmont, 35-10.

* Esperanza at Bloomington, Friday: The Prophet: Division I vs. Division VIII? This time go with the small school in an upset. Bloomington, 44-43. Salata says: Esperanza, 47-37.